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Rh "That's what I think," agreed the chief.

"Do you mean to say you won't help us look for him?" exclaimed Frank.

"Oh, we'll keep our eyes open," the chief promised. "But he'll show up all right. He'll show up. Don't worry."

"He'll never show up if we wait for the Bayport Police Department to get into action," declared Chet warmly.

"Is that so?" said Chief Collig, nettled.

"Of course, chief," said Frank smoothly, "if you're afraid to go up to the Polucca place just because it's supposed to be haunted, don't bother. We can tell the newspapers that we believe our father has met with foul play and that you won't bother to look into the matter, but don't let us disturb you at all—"

"What's that about the newspapers?" demanded the chief, getting up from his chair so suddenly that he upset the checkerboard over Smuff's lap. "Don't let this get into the papers." The chief was constantly afraid of publicity unless it was of the most favorable nature.

"The taxpayers mightn't like it," suggested Joe. "They pay you to enforce the law and if they know you're afraid to go up to the Polucca place—"

"Now, now," said the chief nervously.